True Saver Story: Making it Work

Aimee Shaffer worked as a Public Service News Director for radio for years until one day her employer downsized the company, resulting in hundreds of lost jobs, including Aimee’s. Unfortunately, her contract made it so that she couldn’t work for a competing local station for one full year. “I was without a steady income for the first time,” said Aimee. With the little unemployment she received, she made sure to pay her bills so she wouldn’t get behind. She also looked around for other work and accepted help from family and friends.

To make ends meet, Aimee cut back on her spending. “For $10 I got a pass to the local parks near my house. I spent lots of time hiking and biking for entertainment instead of spending money on other items,” said Aimee. While looking for work, she took the time to reflect on her work life and decided she wanted a change. “I didn’t want to live paycheck to paycheck anymore.” She loves working with animals and decided to open up her own business as a full-time professional pet sitter.

When Kiara Hardin, now a junior at Western Illinois University, became an intern with the Chicago Summer Business Institute during her sophomore year of high school, she began her personal finance journey. The program required participants to open a savings account.

Until last summer, Michael Lindman spent money freely. “I was a union truck driver for 35 years and had a good income,” said Lindman. “I owned my own home, saved a little, and tried to live within my own budget. You always think there’s going to be that much coming in, but things can change in a split second.”